How much do law schools look at extracurriculars?
Asked by: Mertie Maggio DVM | Last update: July 29, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (11 votes)
How Much Do Extracurriculars Matter for Law School? Extracurricular activities are typically less important than grades and LSAT scores, but they can be more important than other “soft” factors.
Do law schools check your extracurricular activities?
Ultimately, extracurricular activities are a plus factor. Law schools weigh grades and LSAT scores most heavily, but keeping busy in interesting and admirable ways is a way to distinguish yourself against a sea of applicants with similar numbers.
Do law firms care about extracurriculars?
Law firms and potential employers absolutely love to see one of these extracurriculars on your resume.. 2L year brings your first exposure to on-campus interviews. A favorite question interviewers ask is whether you participate in any extracurriculars.
Is 7 extracurriculars too much?
There is never too many, but you have to show that you are genuinely committed and interested in the activity.
Is a 3.7 GPA too low for law school?
The average GPA for law school is between 3.91. However, like LSAT scores, it's important to understand that the specific average GPA can differ depending on the law school and its level of competitiveness. Top-ranking law schools often expect higher average GPAs, typically ranging from 3.8 to 4.0 or even higher.
A Harvard Lawyer's Picks for the Best Law School Extracurriculars
How rare is a 176 LSAT?
Less than 1% of test takers score a 176. It's a very hard thing to do. Don't let this sub skew your perception of what's realistic.
Is a 3.98 GPA good for law school?
Among the 191 ranked law schools that submitted grade data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the average median GPA of entering law school students in 2021 was 3.55. But at the 20 highest-ranked law schools, the average median GPA is much higher – 3.86.
What is considered weak extracurriculars?
The most common “weak” extracurricular profile is simply one that is nonexistent or bare bones. Admissions officers don't want couch potatoes; they want to accept students who will become involved in the learning community. A student with little or no extracurricular involvement is undesirable.
Is 11th grade too late for extracurriculars?
No, it is not too late. My biggest piece of advice is to find ways to pursue what you love and are passionate about. That will make you shine- if you go out of your way to find and use available opportunities, that will stick out. Also, I will say that colleges do have understanding when you have limited opportunities.
What are some Tier 1 extracurriculars?
Tier 1 – Extracurriculars
Examples include: winning national awards. holding prominent positions in renowned organizations. spearheading initiatives with significant societal impact.
Is the lawyer field oversaturated?
Law School Myth 5:
The job market for lawyers is oversaturated. While it is true that there are more law school graduates than there are jobs available in some markets, the job market for lawyers is actually quite strong overall.
What clubs look good for law school?
- Law Review/Journals. ...
- Moot Court. ...
- Externships, Clerking, and Clinics. ...
- Student Bar Association. ...
- Networking and Career Fairs.
What are the best softs for law school?
Some common softs are extracurricular activities, such as holding a leadership position in a college club and participating in college athletics; completing an internship; and having notable work experience. Unique softs include publishing a book, holding a world record, and having an unusual hobby.
How much do law schools care about extracurriculars?
How Much Do Extracurriculars Matter for Law School? Extracurricular activities are typically less important than grades and LSAT scores, but they can be more important than other “soft” factors.
How to stand out to law schools?
- Strong Academic Record and LSAT Score. ...
- Extracurricular Involvement. ...
- Excellent Writing and Reading Abilities. ...
- Personal Growth. ...
- Strong Recommendations from People Who Actually Know You. ...
- Something Special…
Which GPA do law schools look at?
When it comes to the primary GPA that law schools look at, it's your undergrad GPA. A grad GPA is nice, but it doesn't replace or get combined with the UGPA. A low UGPA will not be bolstered by a high grad GPA.
Is 10 extracurriculars too much?
For a cogent extracurricular list, I would recommend filling up as many of the ten extracurricular activities on your common app as possible. More extracurriculars signify that you are more well rounded or versatile.
Why is 11th grade the hardest year in high school?
Course Rigor: Often, 11th grade is when students face the most difficult classes in their high school career. This is particularly true if you're enrolled in Honors, AP, or other advanced-level courses. 2. Standardized Tests: Junior year is typically when students start taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.
Is it OK to have no extracurriculars?
Yes, it is possible to get into college with no extracurriculars. While extracurricular activities can bolster a college application and showcase a well-rounded personality, they are not the sole determining factor for admission.
Does GPA or extracurriculars matter more?
According to research cited in The Atlantic, the students who perform best in college are those who have good grades in high school. That's why your transcripts are a better indicator of your college potential than either your extracurricular activities or your entrance exam scores.
How many hours a week is too much for extracurriculars?
How much is too much? It's estimated that the average student spends five hours per week participating in extracurriculars, but 3-6% of kids are spending 20 hours or more each week. For some, five hours may be too much, and for others, 20 hours may not a problem. It all depends on the child.
Is two extracurriculars enough?
Students want to display juxtapositional depth to colleges. They can do this by focusing on two or three extracurricular activities that they can fully commit to and succeed in, and that highlight their different attributes as a student.
Can I get into Yale law with a 3.9 GPA?
We do not utilize a GPA or standardized test score cutoff of any kind in our review process. Every year applicants from all backgrounds and with scores in all ranges are admitted to Yale Law School. The only guarantee you will not be admitted is if you do not apply, and we take seriously every application we receive.
Can I get into Harvard Law with a 3.85 GPA?
As you can see from these numbers, an LSAT score of 170 or higher and a GPA above 3.75 will give you a chance of gaining admission to Harvard Law School.
Is GPA or LSAT more important?
In general terms, it can be said that law schools value LSAT scores more than they do undergraduate GPA, but whether or not this statement applies to a given institution and how by much depends on the school.